Zambia’s Chipolopolo Boys have qualified to the semi-finals of the COSAFA Castle Cup tournament taking place in South Africa after beating Botswana 2-1.

Zambia’s first goal came from Green Buffaloes striker Brian Mwila in the 10th minute, handing Chipolopolo an advantage into the second half.

Justine Shonga added a winner in the 69th minute when his close range connection deflected off the Motswana defender and through to the back of the net, in a rather own-goal fashion. But three minutes later, Zambia conceded a penalty which, unfortunately, the Zebras failed to convert.

Botswana kept on knocking until the 79th minute when Kabelo Seakanyeng struck from close range to rekindle the Zebra’s hopes.

However, several of their follow up efforts went begging, ending Zambia’s COSAFA semifinal drought.

Shonga was named man of the match and went away with US$250.

Chipolopolo, the four-time champions have failed to qualify to the semifinal in two successive Cosafa Cup appearances since they lifted the title as hosts in 2013.